Polestar has introduced the 4 SUV, a new variant of its electric vehicle that notably reinstates a traditional rear window, a feature absent in the original Polestar 4 coupe. The SUV version, which shares the coupe's EV architecture, adopts a boxier body style and is priced £2,000 lower, starting at £54,750.

This new model aims to broaden the appeal of Polestar's successful 4 model and enter a significant market segment. Michael Lohscheller, Polestar's CEO, stated that the SUV variant offers "more space, more utility and more opportunities for adventure," while remaining true to the brand's design, technology, and driving experience.

The inclusion of a rear window is a significant departure from the coupe, which relied on a rear-facing camera. While customers can still opt for the digital rearview camera on the SUV, the traditional window is expected to improve visibility and reduce cabin claustrophobia. The revised bodywork also increases practicality, with boot capacity rising to 530 liters, an increase of 30 liters over the coupe. Folding down the rear seats offers a total cargo capacity of 1,665 liters, including the front boot.

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In terms of performance, the Polestar 4 SUV offers improved efficiency due to its revised bodywork, new tires, and electric motor updates. The 100kWh battery provides a range of up to 391 miles for the Rear Motor model and 373 miles for the Dual Motor version, a six-mile improvement over the coupe. However, these figures still fall short of some rivals like the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60, which claim around 500 miles. Charging speed also remains a competitive disadvantage, with a peak DC rapid charging rate of 200kW, half that of the BMW iX3.

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Chassis upgrades on the 4 SUV include revised spring and damper settings to enhance handling and ride comfort. Unique 21-inch and 22-inch wheel designs are also exclusive to the SUV model.

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Polestar has also upgraded the interior technology for the 4 SUV, featuring a redesigned 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with a customizable home screen. The system now includes Google Gemini AI integration, allowing for voice commands for navigation and other functions. These software enhancements will also be available to existing Polestar 4 Coupe owners via over-the-air updates.

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Polestar anticipates that the SUV variant will become its best-selling model in the UK, projecting that 70% of British buyers will opt for the SUV over the coupe, largely due to its more accessible price point. Order books are now open for the Polestar 4 SUV, with prices for the Rear Motor version starting at £54,750 and the Dual Motor version at £60,750. A range-topping 536bhp Performance version is expected next year, with prices starting from £68,250.

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